.jpg){kind=link}
Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop
A relaxed four-day loop from Adelaide through German-settled hill villages and two of Australia's best-known wine valleys, ending at the Cornish copper town of Burra.
- Distance
- 264 km (164 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 53 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 11
- States
- South Australia
- Updated
- April 30, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 264 km (164 mi) with 11 stops, from Adelaide to Burra Heritage Town. About 2 h 53 min of driving in total.
More road trips in South Australia
Route description
Start with a morning at Adelaide Central Market, then drive up to Mount Lofty summit, 20 minutes from the city, for the view over the plain and Gulf St Vincent. Continue about 20 km to Hahndorf, a German-founded village of 1839, and stay the night. Hills roads are winding, and fog can linger in winter mornings.
Drive about 100 km north to Tanunda, around 1.5 hours via Lyndoch, and base yourself in the Barossa Valley. Visit Mengler Hill Lookout for the view over the vineyards, then follow the palm-lined road to Seppeltsfield for a historic estate and cellars. Book restaurants ahead, and nominate a driver before tastings.
Head north to Clare, about 100 km and 1.5 hours, passing small towns with stone churches and wheat paddocks. Visit Sevenhill Cellars, founded by Jesuits in 1851, then ride or walk part of the 35 km Riesling Trail, a sealed former railway line. This is Australia's classic dry-white region; spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
Drive about 45 km east to Burra and spend the morning on its copper-mining heritage trail, with miners' cottages and mine buildings from the 1840s. Return to Adelaide, around 160 km and two hours, on the main road via Gawler. Kangaroos and sheep are active at dusk, so aim to arrive before dark and fill the tank in Burra or Clare.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Adelaide
South Australia - 20 km
Adelaide Central Market
FoodAdelaide, South AustraliaA covered market in the heart of the city with dozens of stalls selling local cheese, seafood, produce and ready-to-eat meals. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the Saturday crowds.
- 314 km
Mount Lofty Summit
ViewsAdelaide, South AustraliaThe highest point of the Adelaide Hills at 710 m, with a sweeping outlook over the city, Gulf St Vincent and the plains. Walk up from Waterfall Gully or drive the sealed road to the top.
- 413 km
Hahndorf
South Australia - 569 km
Tanunda
South Australia - 65 km
Mengler Hill Lookout
ViewsTanunda, South AustraliaA hilltop outlook above the Barossa Valley floor, with a sculpture park beside it. The rows of vines and church spires of Tanunda are at their best in the soft light of late afternoon.
- 712 km
Seppeltsfield Winery and Palm Avenue
FoodTanunda, South AustraliaA heritage wine estate founded in 1851, approached along an avenue of date palms planted during the Depression. It is known for fortified wines and a historic bluestone cellar complex.
- 894 km
Clare
South Australia - 97 km
Sevenhill Cellars
FoodClare, South AustraliaThe Clare Valley's oldest winery, established in 1851 by Jesuit priests, with a stone church and cellars still making sacramental wine. A quiet stop that suits a slow tasting rather than a rush.
- 107 km
Riesling Trail
NatureClare, South AustraliaA sealed 35 km walking and cycling path on an old railway line between Auburn and Clare, passing cellar doors and small towns. Flat and easy; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- 1142 km
Burra Heritage Town
HistoryBurra, South AustraliaA preserved copper-mining town whose Cornish miners' cottages, mine buildings and streets date from the 1840s boom. A self-guided heritage trail links the main sites.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Adelaide → Tanunda · 96 km · 1 h 03 minOn the way: Adelaide Central Market, Mount Lofty Summit, Hahndorf.
- Day 2: Tanunda → Seppeltsfield Winery and Palm Avenue · 17 km · 0 h 11 minOn the way: Mengler Hill Lookout.
- Day 3: Seppeltsfield Winery and Palm Avenue → Clare · 94 km · 1 h 01 min
- Day 4: Clare → Burra Heritage Town · 56 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Sevenhill Cellars, Riesling Trail.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August–September and December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop?
4-day road trip of about 264 km (164 mi) with 11 stops, from Adelaide to Burra Heritage Town. About 2 h 53 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 53 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop start and end?
It starts in Adelaide and ends in Burra Heritage Town.
Which states does Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop pass through?
South Australia.
When is the best time for Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley wine loop?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August–September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
More like this
Photo by Chris Charles on UnsplashBirdsville Track and Strzelecki Track
© Simon Yeo from Pakenham, Australia · CC BY 2.0Outback NSW: Mungo, Broken Hill and the opal fields
© Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0